Brands
Havells India ropes in Alia Bhatt as brand ambassador for Standard
MUMBAI: Standard, part of Havells India, has appointed Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt as its brand ambassador.
As part of this association, Bhatt will endorse products through an advertising campaign, which is slated to be launched by end of September 2015.
The ad campaign, comprising three TV commercials, has been conceptualised and executed by Mullen Lintas.
In keeping with the changing consumer preferences and enhancing brand appeal to younger consumers, Standard, a key player in the electrical products segment, unveiled its new identity earlier this year.
Havells India chairman and managing director Anil Rai Gupta said, “We are delighted to have Alia Bhatt as the brand ambassador for Standard brand. She truly represents the young energy of India, which will be the new positioning for the brand. We firmly believe in fulfilling the aspirations of modern day consumers who are confident, independent and do not want to settle for less. She aptly represents our brand’s ideology of style with substance and is a perfect blend of everything that the brand stands for.”
Bhatt added, “I love the positioning of ‘built for young energy’ since I can completely relate to this. I believe today’s youth symbolise confidence, trust and intelligence and deserve the best in class products. Brand Standard is making that possible by fulfilling the aspirations of today’s contemporary consumers with world class products and wonderful product range.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
